Two wealthy regions of northern Italy have voted for greater autonomy in referendums.<br /><br />In Lombardy and Veneto more than 90 percent said “yes“according to preliminary results. <br /><br />Lombardy which is home to Italy’s financial capital, Milan and the Veneto region around Venice account for about 30% of national wealth.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Two regions in Italy will vote on whether to request greater autonomy. The referendums are being closely watched. https://t.co/ytgyM3xMsi— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 18, 2017<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In both regions many complain they send more taxes to Rome than they get back in public spending and want to halve their contribution.<br /><br />The president of Italy’s Lombardy region Roberto Maroni has however distanced the vote from the situation in Spain. <br /><br />“I realise I now have a mandate to carryout the wishes that the Lombardy people. I must go to Rome and obtain, within national unity, more autonomy and more resources, in consideration of the special character of the Lombardy region.”<br /><br />Critics such as Political scientist Paolo Natale, of Milan University say the polls are a stunt to bolster the right-wing Northern league ahead of a general election next year.<br /><br />“Many think these referendums are being held for propaganda reasons. (Roberto) Maroni in Lombardy is likely to see this referendum as a tool to give more visibility to the region and his own party (the Northern League party).”<br /><br />Experts say the votes were a waste of time as Italy’s constitution allows for regions to negotiate with Rome.<br />If they manage to win more favourable terms it will most certainly be at the expense of Italy’s poorer south. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Two of Italy’s wealthiest northern regions vote overwhelmingly in favour of greater autonomy https://t.co/uGfzF9hPjc pic.twitter.com/q2pnoQQO7S— AFP news agency (@AFP) October 23, 2017<br />
